Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, diced onion, diced green pepper, sliced mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
Layering in the Pan: Press half of the meat mixture into the bottom of a loaf pan. This will be the base for your cheese layer.
Add the Cheese: Lay the provolone cheese slices over the meat, leaving a little space along the edges for sealing later.
Top with Remaining Meat: Cover the cheese with the rest of the meat mixture, pressing down to seal the edges.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Pour this flavorful sauce over the top of the meatloaf for added moisture and taste.
Bake It Up: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
Let It Rest: Once done, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep those wonderful juices in.
What to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf With
To truly elevate your Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf experience, consider pairing it with a variety of complementary dishes. Creamy mashed potatoes make a classic side that perfectly balances the flavors. You might also enjoy a light side salad drizzled with a refreshing vinaigrette for added crunch and freshness.
If you're looking to keep the cheesesteak theme going, serve it with crispy sweet potato fries or a simple coleslaw to add some color and texture to your meal. And don’t forget a good old-fashioned glass of iced tea or lemonade to wash it all down!
Top Tips for Perfecting Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
To ensure your meatloaf turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have provolone cheese on hand, feel free to swap it out with mozzarella or a blend of cheeses.
Timing Adjustments: Cooking times may vary based on your oven and the size of your meatloaf, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
Avoiding Common Mistakes: One common error is overmixing your meat mixture, which can lead to a dense meatloaf. Mix just until combined for the best texture!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftover Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf (which is pretty unlikely, but just in case!), here’s how to store it properly. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the meatloaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for convenience; just be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Now that you have all the tips and details, it's time to roll up your sleeves and indulge in some homemade Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf magic! Enjoy the cooking process, and more importantly, enjoy every delicious bite!